Amphawa

What are the most recommended things to do in Amphawa?

Explore Amphawa Floating Market, famous for local food and boat vendors.
Take a boat tour along the canals to see traditional wooden houses.
Enjoy firefly boat tours at night along the Mae Klong River.
Visit Wat Bang Kung and its banyan tree-covered chapel.
Discover local temples such as Wat Chula Manee and Wat Bang Khae Noi.
Try authentic Thai seafood and snacks at riverside eateries.
Shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs from local vendors.

Introducing Amphawa

Amphawa, located in Samut Songkhram province southwest of Bangkok, is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Bangkok. It's world-famous for its floating market. Compared to other floating markets like Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa is less commercialized and is more frequented by local Thais.

Amphawa Market is a Thai floating market on both sides of a river. There are rows of shops on the shore, with a variety of specialty goods and delicacies for you to choose from. There are also small boats selling various delicacies in the river. The vendors will put the food in baskets and pass them to the shore with long bamboo poles to the customers. The customers then put money in the baskets, which is very interesting.

Climate and best time to travel

Amphawa has a tropical monsoon climate, which is divided into cool season, hot season and rainy season. The cool season is comfortable and suitable for travel, with temperatures ranging from 17℃ to 24℃.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: 1 day

Most Popular FAQs for Amphawa

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Amphawa is a historic riverside town in Samut Songkhram, Thailand, known for its centuries-old canal-side lifestyle. The Amphawa Floating Market, revived in the early 2000s, preserves traditional Thai culture, offering a glimpse of community trade, food, and Buddhist temple life along the waterways.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Located about 80 km southwest of Bangkok in Samut Songkhram Province.
By minivan or bus: from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (approx. 1.5–2 hours).
By train: Bangkok to Maeklong Station, then a short ride to Amphawa.
By taxi or private car: around 1.5 hours from Bangkok.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Amphawa Floating Market is open Friday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Best to visit in the late afternoon for cooler weather and evening firefly tours.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee for the floating market. Boat tours typically cost 50–100 THB per person, paid on-site. Firefly tours cost around 60–100 THB. Tickets are purchased directly from boat operators.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No advance booking is required for the market. For boat tours, especially firefly cruises on weekends, booking earlier in the day is recommended to secure a spot.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan for 4–6 hours to enjoy the market, food, and a boat trip. An overnight stay is ideal if you want to experience both day and night activities.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Amphawa Floating Market canal with boat vendors.
Firefly boat tours at night.
Wat Bang Kung’s banyan tree temple.
Traditional Thai wooden houses along the river.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, private day tours from Bangkok are available with English-speaking guides. Local boat operators usually speak Thai, with limited English.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Bridges overlooking Amphawa canal at sunset.
Firefly-lit trees along Mae Klong River at night.
Wat Bang Kung temple’s unique banyan-covered exterior.
Market alleys filled with local food and crafts.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Arrive early afternoon to stroll through the market and try local food.
Visit nearby temples such as Wat Bang Kung and Wat Chula Manee.
Enjoy sunset by the riverside.
Take a firefly boat tour after dark.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes, night visits are popular for firefly boat tours, which are the highlight of Amphawa evenings.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Weekends are busiest, especially evenings.
Fridays are slightly less crowded.
Arriving early in the afternoon offers a more relaxed experience.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The market has public toilets, numerous food stalls, cafes, shops, and riverside seating areas. Small convenience stores are also available nearby.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The canalside walkways are narrow and sometimes uneven, which may be difficult for wheelchairs or strollers. Children and elderly can manage with caution. Boat tours are generally accessible but require boarding from low piers.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash in Thai Baht is recommended, as most vendors are small family businesses. A few cafes and shops may accept cards or mobile payments.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Local seafood stalls along the canal.
Coffee shops such as The Kwan Damnoen Coffee.
Riverside restaurants serving grilled prawns and Thai dishes.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian dishes are available, including Thai stir-fries and noodle soups. Halal food may be limited, but some vendors offer seafood and vegetarian-friendly options. It’s best to ask directly.